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MISSISSAUGA – April 25, 2016 – The Ontario BIA Association is leading the charge on making Ontario communities more inclusive of people with disabilities. With a second project from the Ontario Government, OBIAA is sharing information about the business benefits of accessibility and highlighting the untapped talent pool that is people with disabilities.

Businesses have a variety of fears, misperceptions, and misunderstandings about hiring people with disabilities and yet it makes great business sense to do so. OBIAA and its “Accessibility Smart Businesses” Project have gathered key facts, important accessibility research, and AODA compliance information to assist BIAs in educating with their members about the positive economic impact that hiring people with disabilities can have on business.

Seven ‘kits’, based on themes such as accessibility funding, myths, and barriers are being made available to BIAs for their use. Each kit includes a media release, social media content for BIAs to post on their Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as a mix of tips, case studies, checklists, articles, quizzes, and resources that can be included on their websites, in their newsletters, and in customized mailings to their members. A variety of logos have been created for BIAs to use on their website and link to OBIAA’s accessibility resource page and can be found in the Members Area of the OBIAA website.

QUICK FACTS

Most people have a mild or moderate disability, which does not impact their ability to be employed.

70% of disabilities are invisible

Companies with a diverse workforce are more adaptive to change, leading to an increase in market share

Turnover for employees with disabilities are 5x less than their non-disabled counterparts.

Less than 2% of people with a disability use a wheelchair or scooter as their primary mode of transportation.

Over the next 20 years, an aging population and people with disabilities will represent 40% of the total income in Ontario – $536 Billion.

Improved accessibility in Ontario can help generate up to $9.6 Billion in new retail spending and $1.6 Billion in new tourism spending.

QUOTE

“Your BIA has the power to influence your members. You can provide your members with the knowledge to alleviate any fears they may have in hiring persons with disabilities. To empower your BIA members to be leaders in connecting into this untapped resource, OBIAA will guide you with a step by step series of kits to help you help your members!” Kay Matthews, Executive Director, OBIAA

KIT ORIENTATION TELECONFERENCE CALL

Learn how to use your Information Kit, join OBIAA on Monday, May 2 at 10am for the Community of Practice Teleconference call to learn how to customize, leverage, communicate and roll out to your members all of the ideas and content of these exciting new Information Kits.

VISION STATEMENT: OBIAA is renowned and respected across Ontario and beyond, as a dynamic and sustainable, highly-functioning organization, providing leadership, advocacy and world-class resources. OBIAA is a catalyst for positive community and economic change, enabling growth in Ontario BIAs.

OBIAA MISSION STATEMENT 2016: OBIAA is the network that represents unique and vibrant BIAs across Ontario. The Association supports and advocates on behalf of its members through the building and nurturing of strong relationships and partnerships. OBIAA is a leader in the development and sharing of information, tools, resources and best practices, and is the ONE voice on common issues.